Bargain Oil Changes

   I'm not saying all fast oil changes suffer from lack of good help or are dishonest, but there are more that are then there should be. That's why I think you're better off taking your car to a mechanic for service.

   There are some good reasons to take your car to your trusted mechanic for an oil change. First is that they are more than qualified to do a proper oil and filter change. An oil and filter change is only part of the maintenance. A mechanic will look at your car for any potential problems and will let you know about them. Mechanics do this to make money you say? Yes, they do. But if you have bad brakes and pull into a fast oil change, they won't tell you. They don't even look. Why should they? It takes time and they don't sell brakes. They get you out and the next one in.

   Another reason to go to your mechanic is it will probably be cheaper. Most shops will do an oil change for about $20.00, less than a fast oil change place. I charge $19.95 for an oil change and the one trip I made to a fast oil change place cost me almost $30.00. The one thing a fast oil change place has over a shop is that they are faster. But even that is changing. Most dealerships now have an Express Lube where they get you in and out quickly and you have a qualified person doing the service. A lot of private repair shops are doing this too. Even if they don't, most places will do an oil change as you wait.

   There's an intangible here as well also. Loyalty. A shop respects a loyal customer as much as a customer respects a loyal mechanic. A bond develops between customer and mechanic that really makes a difference. You don't have "some guy" working on your car. You have a friend working on your car. A friend you know and trust. Working on cars can be frustrating, difficult and physically demanding. But the relationships I have with my customers make it all worthwhile. I wouldn't trade my job for any other job in the world.

   Copyright © 2001 - 2003 Vincent T. Ciulla All Rights Reserved